"Should Britain have entered the war in 1914? This question has recently aroused controversy. As Douglas Newton shows, it was controversial in 1914, too. This book is a compellingly written, tightly argued, deeply researched and bracingly revisionist study of the decisions that led to British intervention. Newton uproots many hardy myths and reveals the deep divisions within the political elite of a country on the brink of war." - Christopher Clark, author of The Sleepwalkers "Sound and informative." - Keith Robbins in praise of British Labour, European Socialism and the Struggle for Peace 1889-1914, Times Literary Supplement "Newton writes well, and with a feel for the tragedy of the Great War missing in most accounts ... the scholarship invested in this work is meticulous." - John McDermott, in praise of British Policy and the Weimar Republic 1918-1919, International History Review "Newton's history is meticulously researched ..." - Jill Liddington in praise of British Labour, European Socialism and the Struggle for Peace 1889-1914, History Workshop Journal

Douglas Newton was the Associate Professor of History at University of Western Sydney. He is the author of 'British Policy and the Weimar Republic 1918-19; Germany 1919-45, and British Labour, European Socialism and the Struggle for Peace 1889-1914. He lives in Australia.